He says researchers surveyed close to 900 skiers and riders across the state. They found respondents were on-average traveling nearly 70 miles each way to reach their destinations.

Parker says since none of the Oregon ski resorts, with the exception of Timberline, has on-mountain lodging, all that travel contributes to what the report calls a “gateway community effect.”

“So communities like Sandy and Oakridge experience substantial economic benefits from people driving though their community, driving to and from the mountain and stopping to purchase food or gasoline or other goods.”

Parker says last season, the industry contributed to 6,700 jobs in the state.